The Oakland Athletics have been fairing pretty well considering over half of their original starting pitching staff is on the DL at the moment. As things stand, Brett Anderson hasn't pitched since last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June 2011. Brandon McCarthy strained his shoulder in mid-June, and Dallas Braden has been out after undergoing shoulder surgery last May.
Finally, the Athletic's starting rotation is on the road to recovery and what everyone dreamed it would look like last year.
McCarthy played catch today, and the plan is for him to get on the mound tomorrow for a bullpen.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 17, 2012
Melvin says Braden threw all his pitches in a 40 pitch bullpen session today and "bounced off the mound." #Athletics
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 17, 2012
Brett Anderson says if all goes well with Wednesday bullpen session, he'll begin rehab stint with Stockton on Saturday.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 17, 2012
Also, it looks like Athletics outfielder Coco Crisp will be avoiding a trip to the DL after injuring himself swinging the back last Friday July 13th.
No structural damage in Crisp's left shoulder. He'll take part in on-field activities today and be reassessed tomorrow. DL unlikely.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 17, 2012
Slugger Yoenis Cespedes also might return to action tomorrow after injuring his thumb. He is considered day-to-day as well.
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